“These lads had not won at home for many months and suffered so many defeats here last year, so they needed this win to exorcise the psychosis,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“I tried to reassure the squad, as I knew Genoa would sit and wait for us. I am happy for the lads, also for their first half performance. The substitutions were studied and planned, it all went the way we thought it would.

“We allowed Genoa very few scoring opportunities, so that means our team is growing. The wingers did very well and are following my instructions. The move to create Nagatomo’s goal was emblematic of my kind of football.

“They are still learning and when there are spaces we have to move quicker. This team is improving, perhaps quicker than I expected. Once we broke through, we played good football.”

Mazzarri was asked about the reports Samuel Eto’o is set for a return to Inter, but refused to discuss transfers.